Protection of water quality impetus for fertilizer regs

Thursday

Mar 13, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By Kimberly Nolan

knolan@inkym.com, @KNolanIM

The town is hoping to curtail improper fertilizer application in an effort to prevent further contamination of Nantucket's harbors, groundwater and ponds. Water quality samples show excess nitrogen and phosphorous levels, which have affected scallops and other marine life, said Sarah Oktay, director of the University of Massachusetts-Boston Nantucket Field Station.

Despite the creation of a Best Management Practice (BMP) guide in 2012, compliance within the landscaping industry remains an issue. Commercial fertilizer applicators will now be required to be licensed by the town, in addition to state licensing. BMP creators say an upcoming licensing workshop March 21 will hopefully lead to a change in practice.

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